Sandeep Lamichhane to miss BBL finals, Haris Rauf to return

The Stars will lose one of their leading wicket-takers ahead of their all-important qualifying final clash. But another key bowler is set to return from international duties just in time to replace him.

Sandeep Lamichhane will represent Nepal in their upcoming series.

Melbourne Stars could consider pairing Haris Rauf with little-known compatriot Dilbar Hussain for Friday night’s Qualifying Final as they grapple with the loss of mystery spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.

The Stars spun their way to the minor premiership, but have lost Lamichhane for the finals after he flew home to Nepal yesterday to play an ODI tri-series against Oman and USA.

Rauf is due to play for Pakistan in the final T20 against Bangladesh tonight and will return to Melbourne tomorrow for the MCG final. Rauf and Lamichhane are the Stars’ leading wicket-takers, with 16 and 15 respectively.

Watch every single KFC BBL match LIVE & On-Demand on KAYO with FOX CRICKET’s unmatched commentary line-up. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Haris Rauf took a wicket in his first game for Pakistan Picture: AP Photo

Losing Lamichhane – who the Stars expected to play every game – shapes as a blow to leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who said from India last week he “loved” bowling in partnerships with the fellow wrist-spinner.

While Stars have loaded up on spin recently, coach David Hussey must find the best pace attack after rotating Nathan Coulter-Nile, Dan Worrall and Lance Morris.

Jackson Coleman (side strain) grabbed 3-16 in his only game but could be fit.

The Stars have lost their past three games although Friday night will be the first final in BBL history that is not sudden-death.

The winner will lock in a home Grand Final on February 8 while the loser will be thrust into a home preliminary final on February 6.

Brisbane Heat broke the Stars’ six-game winning streak at the MCG, but Hussey was confident the venue would remain the trump card in finals.

MORE CRICKET NEWS:

Marnus Labuschagne won’t wear a neck guard on his helmet until they are made smaller or become mandatory

SuperCoach BBL finals guide: The players you need from every potential finalist

Melbourne Renegades batsman Beau Webster’s stint on Pies star Brodie Grundy

Dandenong star James Nanopoulos takes nine wicket haul in premier cricket

“Teams don’t play their style of cricket at the MCG. Unfortunately the Heat did, they outplayed us, but come Friday night you’ll see a different Melbourne Stars,” Hussey said.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said yesterday there was “something not right with the Stars” and warned they wouldn’t be able to simply flick the switch.

The Stars will get paceman Haris Rauf back for BBL finals.

They were skittled for 115 by Brisbane with Nic Maddinson at the heart of the batting struggles.

The Sheffield Shield opener, who was close to Test selection in November, is averaging 11 at a strike-rate of 94.7 after 22 games in green.

Maddinson withdrew from the Australia A shootout for a Test place because of mental health problems and Hussey said it was his state of mind that mattered most.

“I’m more worried about Maddo as a person,” Hussey said.

“Unfortunately he’s probably trying a little bit too hard at the minute. He’s probably really down on himself because he wants to do so well for this group of people that love him as a brother.”

Dilbar (1-56) collected the most expensive figures on debut in BBL history, and the second-worst in Stars history.

But Hussey said the bespectacled quick would bounce back.

“He’s fast, 145km away swingers, good yorker, good control, good fast bouncer,” Hussey said.

“I think he’s going to ruffle a few feathers later on in the tournament.”

Originally published as Sandeep Lamichhane to miss BBL finals, Haris Rauf to return